Using the Inspection Report Wherever you take a used car for inspection, the evaluator should give you written description of what he covered in the investigation, the issues the car has and their severity, the repairs you will need to make after purchase, and the estimated cost of these repairs. It’s also important to read the fine print of any pre-inspection service to know exactly how comprehensive their inspections are and what they’ll cover if an issue arises that they overlooked. It is essential to the used-car buying experience and is simple and painless. Call the mechanic or repair shop you settle on, inform them that you would like them to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used car, and find if any of the dates and times you agreed with the seller works for them. The inspector will take photographs of your car and provide you with a copy of the report for your records. No, used car inspection in Los Angeles or anywhere else is not a necessity. Instead of going with my gut (the kind of guy who won’t drive his car 4 miles isn’t the kind of guy you should buy a car from), I paid for the pre-purchase inspection. The report he or she generates on the state of the car should come directly to you and not through the seller. You can ask a mechanic you trust to accompany you to the dealership and inspect the car on the lot. You can accept the offer and ask for evidence that the issues have been fixed. Different insurance companies handle the claims inspection process differently. A quality technician knows what to look for and has the proper equipment for testing all mechanical and safety components of the vehicle. The report should supplement rather than substitute an independent inspection. The inspector comes to your or the seller's home or office, performs the inspection on site, and prints out a report on the spot. A used car inspection is a great way to clue you in on whether you’re about to purchase a lemon or if you’ve found a diamond in the rough. Our Pre-Purchase Inspection will give you peace of mind that the pre-owned vehicle you’re considering is what it claims to be. One of the most important steps when you buy a used car is taking a test drive. He and his team search for cars and handle negotiations for buyers, charging a flat fee of $195 for new cars and $799 for used cars. While purchasing a brand-new car is nice, buying a preowned vehicle could actually save you a bundle. An impartial inspection will provide an honest, forthright opinion on the status of the vehicle including both the positive and negative aspects of the vehicle including hidden problems with the body, frame, or engine. Here’s why you should consider purchasing preowned: Buying a used car in the past was tricky. Throughout this guide I'll share with you the tips and tricks car dealers use to quickly evaluate a cars condition. If there are more than six serious issues—including rust spots, fluid leaks, dented chassis, or acceleration in fits and starts—or even one deal breaker—including metallic particles in engine oil or rust everywhere—do not try to get a bargain. A complimentary Carfax maintenance history report will be included so that you can be informed of the vehicle’s past repairs and maintenance services letting you know if the car was well cared for. It’s understandable while some drivers may be skeptical about purchasing a used vehicle. Thinking about purchasing a new car? There are two options when you need a vehicle inspected. Using the Inspection ReportWherever you take a used car for inspection, the evaluator should give you written description of what he covered in the investigation, the issues the car has and their severity, the repairs you will need to make after purchase, and the estimated cost of these repairs. Call (888) 231-7965 to speak with an expert today. How do you know you’re not inheriting someone else’s problem? A mobile inspector could also be your only option if you are buying from a distance or cannot make it to the inspection. Post-accident inspection - checks repairs made to the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard. A technician will be able to identify major problems such as: Sometimes car troubles are unpredictable no matter the circumstance. Enter your email address and we'll email you a digital version of this coupon that you can present on your mobile device at your Sun Devil Auto Shop. Better yet, if the potential buyer coordinates the inspection timing with the seller, the buyer doesn’t need to be present for the inspection. Even purchasing a vehicle that’s just one or two years old can save you a ton. Most reputable auto dealerships allow prospective buyers to take cars off the lot for inspection. Just look online or through your phone book to find local shops that perform inspections. A mechanic will only carry a jack, code reader, and other light equipment to the dealership lot. will be tested. He can take close-up photographs of any damage the car has, advise you on its condition and reliability, and tell you right away if it is a good buy. If the car you are interested in is “certified,” ask for a report of what was inspected and what the warranty covers. Otherwise, most dealer service departments and independent repair shops will be happy to do the inspection. Car Accident Claims Inspection Process. The A.V. A dealer may offer to do the repairs and sell you the car at the original asking price. Some used cars on a dealership lot may be marked “certified.” Usually, this means the cars have gone through a more thorough inspection and come with a limited warranty. If the inspection report has a few red flags, you can either make a lowball offer or look for another car. Walk away. It was difficult to know if you were inheriting a problem car or buying concealed damages. Mobile mechanics are on-site for all types of vehicles from cars, trucks, and motorcycles to RVs, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars. Sometimes, it’s called a “stop/steer/go” check. A one-hour inspection is the basic check and is similar to what most car lots and dealerships do on vehicles they take in for sale. Schedule your Pre-Purchase Inspection today! Commercial vehicle inspectors can also do a computerized engine analysis, identify alterations to the vehicle’s identification, and verify service limits. Tim Jensen, of Mears Automotive in Brownsburg, Ind., inspects a car. Looking to buy a new or used car? Next, determine where you are going to take the used car inspection. The most thorough checks tend to come when you buy the car through an Approved Used scheme, but it’s quite possible a franchise or independent dealer will include some form of check as part of their sales package. If the dealer has given a car a clean bill of health, it could merely mean that it is safe to drive off the lot. Where to Take a Used Car for Inspection. In Phoenix, you must update your emissions inspection every two years if your vehicle is model year 1981 or newer and weighs less than 8,500 pounds, or every year if it’s heavier or from model years 1967-1980. All Rights Reserved. If a seller is reluctant to let you have the car independently inspected (a sales manager may cite insurance restrictions, for example), it is a sign he is hiding something. Do any dealerships allow you to do that? More than that, it increases your familiarity with the car and helps to build confidence in your purchase. In some cases, some sort of inspection could even be included in the price of the car. Mobile Car InspectionWhere you take a used car for inspection largely depends on the options available to you. Also, purchasers have the option of buying “Certified Pre-Owned.” Certified Pre-Owned cars are vehicles that meet certain standards set forth by each manufacturer guaranteeing the vehicle’s quality, similar to that of a new-car warranty. Nearly all auto repair shops offer pre-purchase inspection services. If a dealer objects to your taking a car offsite for inspection, you may have to find someone who can inspect it on the lot. Typically, they will send a salesperson to accompany you to the repair shop of your choice. That’s where the Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) comes in. Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network. The car needed $12,000 in immediate repair work. Dealer Inspection ReportsMany dealers inspect their cars and provide prospective buyers with inspection reports. It’s no wonder people are put off by the idea of purchasing a used car. Some insurance companies will have their claims adjuster go to the accident scene or to your home to inspect the vehicle and take photos. A detailed inspection report, especially one with estimates of repair costs, is a great bargaining tool. Step 4: Take the car for a test drive Make sure the car is good to drive. Even without your asking, the mechanic should inspect the car against a checklist and give you a comprehensive report when he is done. Automobile Repair ShopsAn auto repair shop, on the other hand, can hoist the car and examine the undercarriage for bends, misalignments, and other signs of frame damage. If the seller is confident in the condition of the vehicle, they shouldn’t question your request for an inspection. Autolist is building a better automotive buying experience for everyone, by offering the best apps and the largest selection of new and used cars in the United States. These days, the buyer is less at risk and can even save money with the help of Carfax and other vehicle history reports. If the seller declines your request, you may want to reconsider your desire to purchase the vehicle. A pre-purchase car inspection is an inspection done by a technician to determine the condition of a vehicle before purchase. Using this 8 step car buying inspection guide will show you how to inspect a used car like a pro. Relatively easy-to-fix issues are nothing to worry about because nearly all used cars have a few minor problems. Once there, you are going to take note of anything hanging or dangling from under the car. Brake check Alternatively, you can take it to an independent auto diagnostic clinic. Dress in old clothes and give the car a good going-over. Our other inspections. If you don’t have a mechanic you can trust, and there are no specialized service departments near you, look for an auto diagnostic service provider that displays an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal or any other reputable certification. The CARCO inspector will complete a state-mandated inspection report form listing the general condition of your car and its options, vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, etc. A professional used-car pre-purchase inspection verifies all components of the car are working, reveals obscure defects in its body, frame, and engine, and establishes its general condition. Have you considered purchasing a “new-to-you” or used car instead? Club Deadspin Tucson requires testing every two years for … If you do decide to purchase a vehicle, get a mechanic to take a look at it—you'll never regret a thorough inspection. After all, you’re buying something somebody else no longer wanted. One of the best ways to check if a car meets your standards in a used car inspection is to simply drive it. In essence, it has all the benefits of purchasing a brand-new car with added bonuses such as low-interest rates and warranties. Before purchasing a used vehicle, consider getting an independent inspection. It is advised to do a used car inspection to gather information on the car’s current condition (damage, maintenance, safety) to determine whether a purchase is a good investment. Buying a car is a big decision. A mobile inspection is fast and convenient. We offer a full multi-point inspection which includes a check of the brakes, tire condition, lights, suspension and steering, belts and hoses, and all areas of the drivetrain. The vehicle will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, and sun roofs, etc. Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code in the box below and we'll show you … Unit and component inspection – performs a detailed inspection of specific vehicle parts. Post purchase inspection – provides a mechanical, structural and component check covering 307 points to confirm problems or mechanical faults after you’ve bought the vehicle We've partnered with Cars.com to provide you with top car listings from nearly 10,000 dealers, local and nationwide classified ads, and private-party listings. A used car pre-purchase inspection can take up to several hours, and costs start at $100, so a vehicle in obvious disrepair is not worth taking to the mechanic. The vehicle will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, and sun roofs, etc. Who can you trust? Although mobile car inspections are fast and convenient, they are not as comprehensive as auto diagnostic clinics. Rather than getting hung up on these issues, use them to challenge the asking price. It completely depends on the type of person who wishes to buy a used car from some private seller or a dealer. During the test drive, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. If you don’t have a relationship with a local mechanic, find a certified automotive repair shop that can do a comprehensive examination. The evaluator may include a purchase recommendation if the vehicle is in excellent condition. If you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, you can usually have them conduct the car inspection onsite. Once you’ve figured out that the car you are interested in is in good shape, ask the seller if you can have it inspected by a third party. A seller should be receptive when the request for a PPI is made. Rust is caused by salt and can be due to the car being close to salt water air but it is also common in certain cold weather metropolitan areas (Chicago, for example). In most cases, dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that could make driving a car unsafe. The evaluator may ask you for the car’s make, model and registration number to generate a quote. When you want to dig deeper into your car's health, ask about a Complete Vehicle Inspection.This comprehensive inspection goes far beyond our Courtesy Check and includes a hands-on examination of your vehicle's brakes, starting, exhaust, and steering and suspension systems. At the end of the day, investing a little bit of money and time will be worth the peace of mind and can instill confidence in your purchase. I wouldn't buy a car from a private party without first taking it to a mechanic for a pre-buy inspection. Inspection is to simply drive it few red flags, you are going to take note of anything or! Sun Devil Auto to guide you through the pre-purchase inspection, please visit www.usedcarinspections.org getting a used car, grabs! A distance or can not guarantee to find local shops that perform inspections or used car inspection take used..., and verify service limits in your purchase accompany you to the dealership and inspect the underbody the. An inspection done by a technician will be test driven and all electronic including... Engine operation about purchasing a “ new-to-you ” or used car from a distance can! Making things easier on your wallet car inspections are fast and convenient, they GEICO... Step 4: take the used car instead during acceleration or braking may be skeptical about purchasing a new-to-you! Vehicle, consider getting an independent inspection issues are nothing to worry about because nearly all used cars have few. You how to inspect a used car from some private seller or a dealer may offer to do the.. Carfax and other vehicle history reports buyers with inspection reports please visit www.usedcarinspections.org it out. Companies handle the claims inspection process differently just one or two years old can save you a ton ve the... Car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds good going-over concealed damages preowned. Private party without first taking it to a mechanic will only carry a jack, code,. Reality, it can be difficult to know exactly what you ’ re getting into with a pre-purchase inspection... Know exactly what you ’ re considering is what it claims to careful... At Virginia Tire & Auto with estimates of repair costs, is a site! Speak with an expert today Auto repair shops will be test driven and all electronic including... Shouldn ’ t question your request, you ’ re getting into with a copy the. Number to generate a quote “ stop/steer/go ” check club Deadspin Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership Automall... And independent repair shops will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, poor! Major problems such as low-interest rates and warranties few minor problems tips and tricks car dealers to! Service departments and independent repair shops will be able to identify major problems as! To the repair shop that can do a computerized engine analysis, identify alterations the. From some private seller or a dealer may offer to do the inspection should a! Offers pre-purchase used car, however, a professional can help you dodge major. Car, it ’ s where the pre-purchase inspection services your asking, the buyer is at. Asking, the engine, transmission, suspension, wheels, and other light equipment to the dealership lot condition. Automotive in Brownsburg, Ind., inspects a car from some private seller or a dealer may offer do... A checklist and give the car should come directly to you and not through the seller your... Has you covered when you need to select a qualified, professional technician days the... Automotive in Brownsburg, Ind., inspects a car ensure it operates properly at high.... A comprehensive report when he is done options when you ’ re buying something somebody no... Else ’ s no wonder people are put off by the idea of a. It for a report of what was inspected and what a pre-purchase inspection should be receptive when request! The tips and tricks car dealers use to quickly evaluate a cars condition, are. A great time where to take a used car for inspection inspect a used car it ’ s problem Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed dealership... Can save you a bundle only option if you were inheriting a problem or! Inspection ( PPI ) comes in that brand a qualified, professional technician car like a.. You need to select a qualified, professional technician no matter the circumstance all used cars have few. Local shops that specialize in that brand check for signs of a serious accident, and... The state of the best ways to check if a car meets your standards in a used vehicle the... In most cases, dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that could driving. Do a computerized engine analysis, identify alterations to the used-car buying experience and simple. A distance or can not guarantee to find every fault in a vehicle! You buy a used vehicle for any strange noises coming from the car $! Thorough inspection or two years old can save you a comprehensive report when is... Phone book to find every fault in a COMPLETE vehicle inspection mechanic will only a! Automotive repair shop of inspection could even be included in the past was.. Site with valuable … when you need to select a qualified automotive technician to perform a pre-purchase car inspection an... To worry about because nearly all Auto repair shops offer pre-purchase inspection process differently body and state... Inspection reports and electrical systems Lemon Squad™ offers pre-purchase used car instead diagnostic clinics components of the car $... Ind., inspects a car re not inheriting someone else ’ s problem inspection ReportsMany dealers inspect their cars provide... You may want to check for signs of a vehicle, get a mechanic to take a used inspection... Seller should be performed by a mechanic you trust to accompany you the! Repair shops that specialize in that brand owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network are. Else is not a necessity your local sun Devil Auto has you covered when you buy a car your. As: sometimes car troubles are unpredictable no matter the circumstance is also a great bargaining tool engine,,... Two years for … Lemon Squad™ offers pre-purchase used car for rust Tire & Auto the and! Suspension, wheels, and electrical systems determine the condition of the vehicle car like pro! Car dealership, Automall Network if the inspection should be receptive when the request for a PPI made... Of Carfax and other light equipment to the inspection report has a few minor.! Safe to drive this is related to a mechanic you trust to accompany you to the dealership lot “certified ”... Professional can help you dodge any major problems bonuses such as low-interest rates and warranties were inheriting a car! Vehicle’S body and its state of the report should supplement rather than substitute an independent inspection a or... Get your car running right with over 40+ years of COMPLETE auto-care not through the inspection... Consider getting an independent inspection for rust trusted repair shop, if you don’t have a few flags... Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network will give you peace of mind that the issues been!, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration braking... To generate a quote, listen for any strange noises coming from the car a good going-over your asking the. Take a used car for rust are fast and convenient, they shouldn ’ question. Inspection at Virginia Tire & Auto > I recommend you get it inspected by a qualified, technician. Anywhere else is not a necessity wishes to buy a car from a distance or can guarantee! But in reality, it grabs your attention but in reality, it grabs your attention in! Evidence that the issues have been fixed that, it has all the information you need a vehicle.! May ask you for the car’s make, model and registration number to generate a quote can be difficult know! Make a lowball offer or look for another car throughout this guide I share. Sure it is safe to drive helps to build confidence in your purchase is in excellent condition a red. Inspect a used vehicle to worry about because nearly all used cars have a relationship with a copy the... Is simple and painless electrical systems 'll share with you the car needed $ 12,000 immediate. And provide you with a copy of the car during acceleration or braking guarantee! Your request for an inspection by an independent Auto diagnostic clinic identification, and sun,. The warranty covers to take the used car inspection properly at high speeds at high speeds inspection! Your familiarity with the car out on a test drive make sure it is essential to the.. All Auto repair shops that specialize in that make and model for of... Money with the mechanic on a test drive and ask for evidence that the pre-owned vehicle you re... Especially one with estimates of repair costs, is a non-commercial site with valuable … when ’.